I want you to know I had an absolutely grand time in Florida this past winter, meeting/greeting FT/ECT thru-hikers. As they moved up the trail, so did I.
My first camp was in the Ocala Big Scrub. From there I moved three more times, to finally set camp by the trail clear out in the Panhandle. So I got to see many thru-hikers multiple times. And now, here in Weogufka (I’m back at John’s place near Flagg Mountain), I’ve been able to see ECT hikers again, coming through, bound for Canada. Yes, just an amazing time!
And now for a new chapter in my life (at nearly age 87). I must tell you about a recent absolutely amazing development:
I’ve a dear friend who lives here, in Weogufka, Lloyd Caperton. He has the equivalent of an entire quarter-section of land.
On this land, which is smack-up against the Pinhoti Trail, there’s a large, delightful, old cabin. Friends (and myself) will soon take occupancy of the cabin—and we’ll be restoring, adapting, turning it into a spacious hostel, to be known as “Southern Comfort.” It will accommodate up to 10 hikers at any given time—in traditional southern comfort fashion!
A trail will be constructed to this cabin/hostel, coming off the Pinhoti Trail on one end, going back to the Pinhoti on the other—upwards of a mile of new mountainous trail. This trail will be used by ECT, B2B, GET, TA, (and PT) hikers/backpackers.
And here’s the kicker, Cape will soon be meeting with the folks at Nature Conservancy, to prepare for the conveyance of his 160 acres to their organization—upon his death.
Anyway, this is going to be a (big) positive boost for the entire hiking, backpacking, and outdoor community!
